Owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms receive trophies or keepsakes after success at the Royal Meeting, and so the move to include breeders is recognition of their vital importance to racing. They will receive - appropriately, given the time of year - Royal Ascot-branded strawberry dishes, designed by Garrard.

Redvers (pictured in conversation with Sheikh Hamad at the Royal Meeting), the head of Tweenhills stud in Gloucestershire, said: "Ascot should be applauded for recognising the importance and the role of the breeder. To be responsible for producing the winner of a race at Royal Ascot is a notable feat for any breeder. Furthermore, the diversity of races at the Royal Meeting from two-year-old races over sprint trips to long-distance races for older horses gives all types of breeder a chance to succeed at the world's premier race meeting.